Sensor-Integrated Wheel Chock for Verified Loading Dock Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle restraint systems at loading docks suffer from improper installation or non-installation of wheel chocks, leading to potential vehicle movement away from the dock during loading or unloading, which is not easily detectable by facility workers.
Innovation Solution
A wheel chock system equipped with sensors and a handle-activated mechanism that ensures proper installation and detection, integrated with a control system to alert workers of correct chock engagement and potential vehicle movement, utilizing a light source to indicate chock status and communicate with a remote server for monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wheel chock installation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of vehicle restraint deteriorates due to improper installation or non-installation
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel chock system performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors that automatically detect chock presence and wheel position without requiring manual verification by workers. The system self-activates the barrier function when the vehicle is detected and automatically deactivates when the vehicle moves, ensuring reliable restraint through autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical installation with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors (optical, ultrasonic, or mechanical) detect vehicle presence and trigger an automated barrier mechanism, eliminating the need for manual wheel chock placement while improving reliability through consistent automated operation.
2Ease of operation
If wheel chocks are installed at exterior of loading dock, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information occurs as workers inside facility cannot detect chock status
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor wheel chock status and vehicle position, providing real-time feedback to workers inside the facility through visual or electronic indicators. This feedback loop ensures that workers are immediately informed when chocks are properly installed or removed, eliminating information loss while maintaining ease of exterior installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system (sensors, indicators, or control panels) that bridges the gap between the exterior wheel chock installation area and the interior workspace. This intermediary transmits status information across the dock door boundary, allowing workers inside to monitor chock status without leaving their workspace.
3Reliability
If automated sensor system is added, then reliability of chock installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting vehicle presence, monitoring wheel position, verifying chock installation, and triggering barrier activation. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate sensing systems into a single integrated unit, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the barrier function, sensing system, and control mechanism into an integrated automated restraint unit. By merging these components, the system achieves high installation accuracy through coordinated sensor-operated barrier deployment while minimizing the overall complexity that would result from separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel chock including a base portion housing a wheel sensor, and a handle portion rotatably coupled to the base portion; a light source; a controller operably coupled to the light source and the wheel sensor, the controller configured to operate the light source based on a docking status of a vehicle at the wheel chock as determined by the wheel sensor; and communication circuitry in communication with the controller and one or more peripheral devices.